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New year brings in LB Director of Parks, Recreation, and Marine

Effective January 10, George Chapjian will become the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine. Chapjian is currently the Director of Community Services and Parks with the city of Glendale.
“Our award-wining Parks, Recreation and Marine Department is one of our city’s most vibrant assets. George Chapjian is a dynamic leader who can build upon our excellent programs and services and take the department to the next level,” West said. “He has a wealth of expertise in both park development and park program management and will be a huge asset to Long Beach.”
Chapjian is replacing Phil Hester, a 22-year city employee who has been the Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine since 1998.
Chapjian has worked for the City of Glendale since 2003. His accomplishments there include completing, within budget and on schedule, 15 major capital park and facilities projects valued at $28.1 million.
Chapjian has also served as Manager of Neighborhood Services in the City of Pasadena Planning and Development Department and as a Special Assistant to the City Manager in Pasadena. Chapjian holds master’s degrees in social work and gerontology, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, all of which are from the University of Southern California.
“I’m very pleased to be appointed, and I’m looking forward to serving the community with all my heart as I lead the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine,” Chapjian said. “I am also excited about working with the incredibly professional, dedicated, hard-working staff in Long Beach to provide outstanding programs and places to recreate throughout the entire community.”
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine operates 160 parks with 25 community centers, two major tennis centers, one of the busiest municipal golf systems in the country with five courses, the largest municipally operated marina system in the nation with 3,800 boat slips, and 6 miles of beaches. More than 3,066 acres within the City’s 50 square miles are developed for recreation.
Hester’s last day is Dec. 31. Mark Sandoval, Manager of the Marine Bureau, will serve as the Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Marine from Jan. 1 to Jan. 9.